NAIROBI, Kenya — Renson Ingonga, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) chief, has urged lawmakers to approve additional funding for the prosecution service, warning that rising criminal caseloads and expanding responsibilities are placing increasing pressure on the institution.
Appearing before the National Assembly of Kenya Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Tuesday, Ingonga presented the ODPP’s Supplementary Estimates No. I for the financial year ending June 30, 2026.
The session, chaired by George Murugara, focused on reviewing the proposed adjustments to the agency’s approved budget and assessing the resource requirements needed to sustain prosecution services across the country.
Rising Caseloads
Ingonga told the committee that the ODPP is experiencing mounting pressure as the number of criminal cases continues to increase nationwide, stretching the capacity of prosecutors and support staff.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to ensuring the timely, efficient, and effective delivery of justice,” Ingonga said during the meeting.
“The proposed supplementary estimates will support critical operational needs, enhance prosecutorial capacity, and facilitate the continued expansion of our services to meet the growing demands of the justice sector.”
According to the DPP, the additional funding would help facilitate prosecutors’ work in courts across the country, strengthen operational logistics, and support coordination among institutions involved in Kenya’s criminal justice system.
Strengthening Justice Delivery
Ingonga said the proposed funding would also support institutional reforms aimed at improving case management systems, prosecution processes, and overall efficiency in handling criminal matters.
Kenya’s prosecution service plays a central role in the justice system by reviewing investigation files, making charging decisions, and representing the State in criminal proceedings.
The ODPP’s mandate is anchored in Article 157 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which establishes the office as an independent authority responsible for instituting and undertaking criminal prosecutions on behalf of the State.
Oversight by Parliament
Members of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee are expected to examine the budget request as part of Parliament’s oversight of the justice sector.
The committee will review whether the proposed adjustments are justified before making recommendations to the National Assembly for consideration in the supplementary budget process.
Ingonga assured lawmakers that the ODPP remains committed to prudent financial management and accountability, emphasizing that additional resources are essential to sustain the prosecution service’s expanding mandate and ensure the effective administration of justice in Kenya.
